Lady Gaga: From Pop to Jazz

Lady Gaga is one of the most renown pop music artists in the world and is now taking a stab at performing as a jazz singer. Gaga’s latest album release, titled Cheek to Cheek, is in syncopation with the one and only Tony Bennett in which the two collaborate on a series of jazz duets.

The Bad Romance singer is known for her original and sometimes off-kilter style. One may be rather surprised to find the same woman who simulated a hanging of herself whilst singing contemporary dance music is the same woman who is singing the classy and buckled down tunes of Anything Goes in this latest album. Gaga, whose true name is Stefani Germanotta, was born in New York City, just like her counterpart, Tony Bennett. The pop star actually grew up singing jazz music in the city and always had a talent for the style in her back pocket. She is finally bringing it forth with her and Bennett’s new record.

Bennett speaks highly of Lady Gaga, stating that she has a natural talent for singing jazz. Making the point that she is very authentic when performing the style of music, Bennett says Gaga will make a phrase different in the moment of singing it, which keeps the song alive. That, Bennett says, it what makes a great jazz musician.

Cheek to Cheek will feature a number of toe-tapping duets by Bennett and Gaga ranging from covers of the aforementioned show tune Anything Goes to I Can’t Give You Anything But Love. The album will also feature a selection of solos from both artists. Bennett will feature titles such as Don’t Wait Too Long and Sophisticated Lady while Gaga will present Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye and Lush Life.

Lady Gaga’s Instagram photo of her pre-show attire in Athens, Greece.

As Lady Gaga makes this transition to jazz, her pop music is not to be counted out. The 28-year-old artist is still delivering, in full, all varieties of catchy dance tracks and over-the-top live performances. The star released her third studio album, ARTPOP, last year and has since been touring the world with ArtRave: The ARTPOP Ball. Gaga was recently performing in Athens, Greece where she took inspiration from the ancient city to apply to her wardrobe and theme for her performance.

Gaga has stated she is a lover of ancient Greek mythologies and its similar influences. On the night of her performance in Athens, the musician was seen leaving her hotel dressed in an intricately styled white toga and Greek-inspired tiara upon her head. The singer took as much advantage on the subject as possible, being that one of her ARTPOP tracks deals directly with ancient mythology. Venus is a girl-power track featured on the album that makes many references to the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.

In early 2015, Gaga has announced that she will take to outer space to perform. The star is scheduled to take a Virgin Galactic commercial spacecraft to conduct a performance that will be viewable from Earth via satellite. The singer also stated she wishes musician, David Bowie, to join her in her performance. Bowie’s decision on whether or not he will join is still unclear.

As Lady Gaga transforms from pop princess to jazz queen, fans can only expect to see more of her. The determined starlet doesn’t seem to be shying away from the headlines anytime soon. Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett’s new album Cheek to Cheek will be available for purchase and download on September 23, 2014.